Is there anything left to say about Ford’s wonderful Model T? The car that made motoring a national pastime, the car that allowed everyone to travel beyond the borders of their home town, and the car that jump-started America’s industrial might, the Model T is iconic for a myriad of reasons beyond getting from point A to point B. The fact that it’s still beloved after more than 100 years is a tribute to the enduring charm of the design, the rugged mechanicals, and the familiar styling that’s as welcome as a puppy anywhere it goes. And you probably can’t call yourself a car guy if you haven’t mastered the T’s unique controls, which are a great test of the man-machine interface. In short, if you don’t own a Model T, what are you waiting for?

All Model Ts are not created equal, and there’s certainly a hierarchy within the Model T community. This 1922 Ford roadster is one of the more desirable body styles, rarer than the touring and offering sporty motoring for two, all wrapped in a handsome Henry Ford black package. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this wonderful little T is that it wears an AACA National First Prize award from 1968, an AACA Senior First Prize from 2007, and a Preservation Award from 2011, suggesting that not only was the restoration extremely well done, but that the car has been very well maintained for the past 50 years. The paint is glossy, the bodywork is straight and well-adjusted, and the many details, from the headlights to the single taillight in the rear-mounted spare, are all in excellent condition. The cowl lights are still kerosene-fired and if I had to guess, I’d say that the spare tire is probably as old as my father, yet it still holds air and isn’t cracked and deteriorated. Clearly this car has led a very easy life.

The interior is basic black as well, with a pleated and button-tufted seat that looks a few years old, not a few decades. There’s a correct rubber mat on the floor that isn’t brittle and cracked, and the door cards are in excellent condition with no warping or moisture damage. The hard rubber steering wheel feels great in your hands and makes this T feel agile on the road (yes, we’ve driven it!) and the controls are, well, just what you’d expect if you’re familiar with a Model T’s idiosyncrasies. Turn the key and you can hear the coils buzzing and the starter pedal is under your left heel. Ease the parking brake forward to engage the transmission and you’re off! The only gauge is an ammeter, which bounces around as the generator does its thing, and the view from behind that massive windshield is commanding in traffic, which certainly helps build confidence. Overhead there’s a beautifully fitted black convertible top that almost looks new and the car includes a full set of side curtains for foul weather and a top boot to make it look neat when the sun is out. There’s even a small trunk that offers battery access and a bit of storage for the various extras that come with the car.

Mechanically, there’s not much to go wrong on the Model T. The engine is the same rugged, reliable 177 cubic inch inline-four that powered them all, and by 1922, they had all the bugs worked out. Set the spark and throttle levers properly, hit the starter, and this one springs to life easily and quickly without much fuss. It idles with that characteristic Model T soundtrack and it makes plenty of power and torque to make the roadster feel nimble and sprightly around town. Cosmetically, the engine bay is quite correct, with basic black engine enamel, correct cloth-wrapped spark plug wires, and a standard updraft carburetor, which is fed by a unique funnel device that appears to harvest warm air from around the exhaust manifold. Things like the leather fan belt and hoses appear to be recent and remarkably, even the original splash pans are still in place. There are a few minor signs of age, most notably around the block/cylinder head union, which is endemic to the breed, but it wouldn’t take much to get this T back into show condition. On the other hand, it starts so easily and runs so well that it would make an ideal partner for Brass-and-Gas tours and once you master the operation of the quirky controls, you’ll find that this one really does run and drive well. The transmission doesn’t slip and it’s a lot quieter than most of the Model Ts we’ve experienced with only a muted whirring sound coming from within. The brakes are, well, they’re terrible because it’s a Model T, but with the light weight and modest performance, they’re more than adequate. Handsome wood spoke wheels are correct for the era and wear vintage Universal wide whites, which give the all-black Model T a dressed-up look that we find very appealing.

The car also comes with a full set of manuals.

Model Ts have long been a staple of the old car community and they continue to have enthusiastic proponents of all ages. This roadster is beautifully restored, totally sorted out, and ready to enjoy, yet still very reasonably priced. Go find another national show-winner in excellent condition for under $20,000. We suspect you’ll have a hard time finding more quality per dollar than this little roadster. Call today!